Buena Vista

Last weekend we headed out to Buena Vista, Colorado for the 2nd race in AXS series. 
This 50 mile race included: 

• White-water kayaking (12 miles) in Class II/III rapids
• Mountain-Biking (25-35 miles)
• Trail run/Trek (8-12 miles)
• Orienteering
• Ropes: Tyrolean Traverse

The race started out with an uphill trail run that looped back for transition to the kayak event. Once they got back Julie helped the guys get their gear together while I ran the trail next to the river to stake out a good photo spot.

I climbed out onto a rock & started snapping shots of a team who met-up with some mean rapids & got dumped in the freezing water.  It took a couple of seconds to realize, "Wait, that was MY team of guys! That was my husband & my father-in-law who got dumped & were now flying down river!".

 Okay, I'll admit- it was a scary site. (That's chad's feet stick up out of the water). But there are course-kayakers positioned to help reunite racers with their kayaks & get them to safety. Julie, M & I drove as fast as we could to the next view point anxious to see the guys. When we did we were so relieved to hear them in good spirits shouting, "Hey! Did you see our swim?!!".

The next time we could see our team they were hauling their boat out of the water & up a 5-story staircase. After toweling off & taking a moment to refuel they headed-out for the mountain bike course, orienteering, and the tyrolean traverse.

It began to rain & snow as the racers headed more into the mountains. And after battling the tough orienteering portion they decided to take the penalties to finish out the race before dark. Team SIRQcess completed the race in just under 9 hours. By the end they were wiped-out & ready for a hot shower & a big dinner (Prime rib anyone? ).

These two were so awesome- especially considering their "swim". Congratulations to our fierce team on conquering another adventure race & SIRQcess-fully taking on the Buena Vista "Beast"!